Workshop on decentralization takes place in Tamale

The Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralization (IMCC) has engaged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in a workshop towards the effective implementation of the New National Decentralization Policy Framework and Action Plan.

About 60 representatives of CSOs drawn from the Brong Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions working in the area of inclusive participation in governance attended the workshop in Tamale with support from the United Nations Development Programme.

The move was to strengthen the demand side of accountability with a focus on CSOs, update CSOs on the status of the New National Decentralization Policy Framework and the Action Plan, as well as educate CSOs on the role of IMCC in the implementation process.

Government in 2010 introduced the New National Decentralization Policy Framework and Action Plan to promote local democracy, participation and accountability through strong and more viable stakeholder involvement in local governance.

Mr. Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, who opened the workshop, said the New National Decentralization Policy Framework and Action Plan formed part of government’s drive to empower the local government institution to champion effective development of local communities.

Mr. Mabengba said local government “is much more about effective and efficient decentralized local institutions and mechanisms, which are sufficiently resourced and empowered”.

He said local government was about working in tandem with local people and civil society organizations to bring about socio-economic development.

He said the New National Decentralization Policy Framework and Action Plan sought to entrench democratic governance as envisaged in the constitution by expanding local people’s freedoms and choices.

Dr Callistus Mahama, Coordinator of IMCC, said deepening decentralization was important to accelerate development at the local level.

The IMCC is responsible for coordinating and approving major decentralization policy reforms in the public service including oversight responsibility for policy implementation.